• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Gluten Free Tranquility
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Easter Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Easter Recipes
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Mains & Side dishes » Simple Mac and Cheese

    Simple Mac and Cheese

    Published: Jun 14, 2021 · Modified: Dec 5, 2021 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Easy Gluten free mac and cheese doesn't have to be complicated as it is so simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. There are lots of Gluten free pasta options in all large supermarkets to choose from. How to make cheese sauce without flour I recommend using cornstarch (cornflour if in the UK) to thicken your sauce.

    Finished mac and cheese in a white dish

    This gluten free macaroni cheese without flour is a great midweek meal as it's ready in less than 30 minutes. Made in its simplest form ready to eat or add some extra ingredients (See variations below) to suit your family's tastebuds.

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER This page contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchase's made through these links at no extra cost to you.

    Jump to:
    • Easy Gluten free Cheese Sauce
    • How to make Mac and Cheese gluten free
    • Gluten free Pasta
    • Ingredients and equipment
    • Step by Step Instructions
    • Variations
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More gluten free recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Easy Gluten free Cheese Sauce

    Traditionally a roux is made with flour and butter to make the cheese sauce. I have tried switching out wheat flour for gluten free flour and then through developing my cheese sauce recipe found that for the best results making cheese sauce without flour using corn starch (cornflour in the UK) as a thickener. It works so much better as the sauce has a beautiful silky and creamy texture and it is much easier to make.

    Is Cheese Gluten free?

    Cheddar cheese is gluten free. It is advisable to always check the label to ensure that the cheese is gluten free as some brands may contain gluten.

    How to make Mac and Cheese gluten free

    Easy gluten free mac and cheese recipe. It is the perfect comfort food that I love making for my family and is a regular quick weekday meal staple.

    If you are looking for a creamy delicious budget-friendly macaroni cheese recipe that is also gluten free then look no further you will love this recipe!

    Creamy gluten free cheese sauce mixed with pasta

    Gluten free Pasta

    Gluten free pasta is widely available in most supermarkets and usually, I find you have to try a few different brands to find your favorite. Always follow the cooking instructions on the pasta packaging for best results. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, rinse with cold water to prevent it from continuing to cook.

    Ingredients and equipment

    labeled ingredients for gluten free mac and cheese

    Ingredients

    • Cheddar cheese - I like to use two varieties of block cheese. You can use your preferred cheddar cheese but I do love using mature cheddar. Always use block cheese and not the ready shredded cheese as I feel that block cheese does make for a better cheese sauce.
    • Gluten free Macaroni pasta - Use your preferred brand of gluten-free pasta and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Cornstarch - (cornflour in the UK) - for making cheese sauce no flour.
    • Mustard powder
    • Milk - I used whole milk in this recipe but you can use semi-skimmed. If you prefer you can also make mac and cheese with almond milk. It's really your own preference but I feel that using full-fat milk makes for a nice creamy cheese sauce.
    • Salt and pepper - To season

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Equipment

    • 2 Non Stick pots
    • Cheese Grater
    • Wooden spoon
    • Kitchen scales

    Step by Step Instructions

    cheese sauce base ingredients in a pot
    add cheese to the milk
    1. Following the manufacturer's instructions and start making the gluten free pasta.
    2. While the pasta is cooking you can begin to make the cheese sauce.
    3. Place the milk into a separate pan keeping a few tablespoon of milk aside to mix with the cornflour.
    4. Mix the cornflour and milk previously set aside until it forms a smooth liquid with no lumps and add to the pan with the milk.
    5. Gently heat on a medium setting until the milk heats slightly and add mustard powder, salt and pepper. Once the milk is almost at boiling point turn down the heat to a low/medium setting. Stirring continuously.
    6. Once the sauce has started to thicken start to add the grated cheese gradually one small handful at a time until fully melted and combined.
    finished creamy cheese sauce
    pasta being added to cheese sauce
    1. Once your cheese sauce is ready take off the heat and add your drained pasta to the cheese sauce.
    2. Your Mac and Cheese is now ready to eat and can be served straight away.
    3. If you wish to add to an oven-proof serving dish. You can top with extra grated cheese or/and gluten free breadcrumbs and place under the grill or in the oven for a few minutes until slightly toasted on top.

    Tip: If the sauce is thicker than you would like just add a little extra milk till it reaches your desired consistency. 

    Variations

    I have kept this recipe simple but still tasty. I have added some variations or additions that you can add to this gluten free cheesy pasta recipe.

    • Toasted breadcrumbs - Add a layer of gluten-free breadcrumbs to the top of the cheesy pasta and toast under the grill until golden before serving.
    • Smoked bacon - Add cooked smoked bacon through your finished macaroni and cheese dish.
    • Green peas - Add green peas to the finished dish.
    • Spice it up - Add either Cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chili to add a bit of heat to your cheesy pasta.
    • Almond Milk - If you prefer you can use almond milk in mac and cheese. Just follow the recipe as directed using almond milk.

    Get gluten-free recipes straight to your inbox

    mac and cheese being served onto a white plate

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make mac and cheese with almond milk?

    Yes, To make mac and cheese with almond milk recipe just follow the recipe as directed using almond milk.

    Can I make this dish in advance?

    Yes! This can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for you to enjoy for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or place back a pan to reheat. You may want to add a couple of tablespoon of milk to help make the sauce creamy as it will have dried out slightly in the fridge.

    Can this recipe be used as a side dish?

    This dish can be used as a main dish or a side dish. For an alternative serving suggestion. You can place it in an oven-proof dish and add your desired toppings. Such as extra grated cheese and gluten-free bread crumbs and place in an oven or grill until topping is nicely toasted.

    What is the best brand of gluten free pasta?

    I would have to say that this is based on personal choice and taste. I recommend trying your local supermarket or store gluten free brands as I have found many that I have liked. Some of my preferred pasta are Barilla Pasta varieties, Morrisons Gluten free Macaroni, and Marks and Spencers free from ranges of pasta. I would love you to leave a comment below on your preferred Gluten-free pasta

    Can I make a smaller portion of this recipe?

    Yes, I have put instructions in the recipe card below to make a smaller batch of mac and cheese if you are cooking for fewer people or using it as a side dish.

    More gluten free recipes

    • gluten free cauliflower cheese in a white dish with a spoon.
      Gluten free cauliflower cheese
    • cottage fries in a white bowl on top if a wooden chopping board beside a small pot of garlic dip
      Sliced Potato Cottage Fries
    • gluten free cheese and onion quiche with a slice cut into it
      Gluten Free Cheese and Onion Quiche
    • 3 yorkshire puddings on a white place with a grey napkin in the background
      Gluten Free Yorkshire Puddings

    📖 Recipe

    Finished mac and cheese in a white dish

    Gluten free mac and cheese

    Easy gluten free macaroni cheese recipe. Easy cheese sauce without flour. Quick weekday meal that only takes 25 minutes to make and all the family will love.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 4 - 6 servings
    Calories: 439kcal

    Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and all information is approximate.

    Author: Amanda
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • 2 non stick pans
    • cheese grater
    • wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    • 250 grams Cheese (Grated) See recipe notes for the cheese I recommend using.
    • 500 ml milk
    • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
    • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Cornflour if in UK)
    • 350 grams Gluten free Macaroni Pasta
    • pinch of Salt and pepper

    Instructions

    • Following the manufacturers instructions start making the gluten free pasta.
    • While the pasta is cooking you can begin to make the cheese sauce.
    • Place the milk into a separate pan keeping a few tablespoon of milk aside to mix with the cornflour.
    • Mix the cornstarch and milk previously set aside until it forms a smooth liquid with no lumps and add to the pan with the milk.
    • Gently heat on a medium setting until the milk heats slightly and add mustard powder, salt and pepper. Once the milk is almost at boiling point turn down the heat to a low/medium setting. Stiring continuously.
    • Once the sauce has started to thicken start to add the grated cheese gradually one small handful at a time until fully melted and combined. If the sauce thickens too much just add a little extra milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
    • Once your cheese sauce is ready take off the heat and add your drained pasta to the cheese sauce.
    • Your Mac and Cheese is now ready to eat and can be served straight away.
    • If you wish to add to a oven proof serving dish. You can top with extra grated cheese or/and gluten free breadcrumbs and place under the grill or in the oven for a few minutes until slightly toasted on top.

    Notes

    Tip: I like to use two varieties of block cheese. You can use your preferred cheddar cheese but I do love using mature cheddar. Always use block cheese and not the ready shredded cheese as I feel that block cheese does make for a better cheese sauce.
    If the sauce is thicker than you would like just add a little extra milk till it reaches your desired consistency. 
    To make a smaller batch you can cut the ingredients by half and cook following the same directions.
    NOTE: Always check that all your ingredients are gluten free. Some brands of cheese may contain gluten.
    STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: This can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for you to enjoy for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or place back a pan to reheat. You may want to add a couple of tablespoon of milk to help make the sauce creamy as it will have dried out slightly in the fridge.
    SERVING SUGGESTIONS: This dish can be used as a main dish or a side dish. You can place it in an oven-proof dish and add your desired toppings. Such as extra grated cheese and gluten-free bread crumbs and place in an oven or grill until topping is nicely toasted.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 54.2g | Protein: 16.6g | Fat: 15.9g | Saturated Fat: 8.9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 272mg | Potassium: 32mg | Sugar: 4.1g

    Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and is always an approximate calculation. Recipes may include information of various products used. It is your responsibility to check that ingredients you use when making a recipe are gluten free.

    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @glutenfree.tranquility or tag #glutenfreetranquility!

    I hope you have enjoyed this cheese sauce without flour recipe.

    I would love to hear from you. If you have any feedback feel free to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. You can also tag me in any photos taken when trying this recipe over on my Instagram page.

    More Gluten free mains and side dishes

    • Sausage baked in one tray with vegetables and gravy on a white surface.
      Easy Sausage Tray Bake
    • Complete gluten free charcuterie board on a white surface.
      Gluten Free Charcuterie Board
    • gluten free shepherds pie in a white baking dish with a serving spoon.
      Gluten free Shepherd's Pie
    • Collage of four gluten free picnic recipes with gluten free picnic food ideas text overlay.
      Gluten free picnic food ideas

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joe

      March 08, 2022 at 8:25 pm

      I’m making it today as my daughter and granddaughter are celiacs

      Reply
      • Amanda

        March 09, 2022 at 4:38 pm

        Thanks for your comment. Hope you have a lovely meal with your family.

        Reply
    2. Joe

      March 08, 2022 at 8:23 pm

      What does the mustard powder do to this recipe5 stars

      Reply
      • Joe

        March 08, 2022 at 8:25 pm

        Please let me know what the mustard powder does to add or detract from the final result5 stars

        Reply
        • Amanda

          March 09, 2022 at 4:35 pm

          Thank you Joe for your comment. I like to use mustard powder in my cheese sauce as it adds flavor and as dry mustard is acidic it helps balance the creamy richness of the cheese sauce. You can skip the mustard powder if preferred but this may result in a bland flavor to the cheese sauce.

          Reply
          • Laurie

            August 07, 2022 at 5:16 pm

            Thanks for the recipe

            I made this today, it didn’t seem to have a lot of flavour and almost tasted a bit powdery. I followed the recipe exactly with all of the correct quantities as I weighed them out - I do suck at cooking though but not sure where I went wrong 😆

            Reply
            • Amanda

              August 07, 2022 at 5:36 pm

              Hi Laurie, Thank you for your feedback. I am sorry it didn't quite turn out as expected for you. The powdery texture could be due to the type of cheese used. I recommend using block cheese rather than pre-grated cheese. It could also be caused due to cooking the sauce on too high a heat as the cheese will then start to break down which can add a gritty texture to the sauce.

            • Laurie

              August 07, 2022 at 9:27 pm

              Thanks Amanda, it was certainly edible and my partner seemed to really enjoy it. Ah yes we used pre-grated cheese. When I was adding it I was on 5 (out of 10) on the induction job which is fairly low. I let the milk get to about 85C before I turned it down to 5 so I certainly didn’t let it boil - will add the cheese on 4 next time and not be lazy and grate some block cheese 😆5 stars

            • Amanda

              August 08, 2022 at 8:30 am

              Thanks, Laurie for your reply. Yes, definitely use block cheese as the outcome will be a better flavor and texture to the finished mac and cheese. As this recipe is a simple mac and cheese you can also check out my variations within the post for some options to add additional flavors to the dish.

    Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear from you! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Amanda! I am passionate about creating gluten free versions of all the foods that I enjoy. I love sharing them with others looking for easy but delicious gluten free recipes.

    More about me →

    Easter Recipes

    • gluten free mini easter cheesecakes on a wooden chopping board
      Mini Egg Easter Cheesecake Bites
    • Sliced crème egg brownies in a baking tin with Cadbury creme eggs on the side.
      Cadbury Crème Egg Brownies
    • photo collage of gluten free easter desserts text overlay
      Gluten free Easter Desserts
    • mini eggs with gluten free easter eggs list text overlay
      Gluten free Easter eggs
    • carrot loaf cake with cream cheese frosting topped with chopped walnuts sitting on a chopping board with grated carrot at the side
      Gluten Free Carrot Cake
    • Stacked mini egg cookies on a white background with loose mini eggs sprinkles around.
      Mini Egg Cookies

    Popular Posts

    • gluten free vanilla cheesecake being sliced
      Gluten Free Vanilla Cheesecake - No Bake
    • School dinner cake sliced into squares
      Gluten free Old School Sponge Cake
    • cottage fries in a white bowl on top if a wooden chopping board beside a small pot of garlic dip
      Sliced Potato Cottage Fries
    • 3 yorkshire puddings on a white place with a grey napkin in the background
      Gluten Free Yorkshire Puddings
    • stack of pancakes topped with fruit and syrup
      Gluten Free American Pancakes
    • gluten free chocolates for what chocolates are gluten free
      What Chocolates are Gluten free?

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Contact

    • Sign Up! - For emails and updates
    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Gluten free Tranquility

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT